Fred Thompson

Actor and former Senator seems more and more likely to join the presidential hopefuls on the Republican side of things. I know absolutely nothing about his politics except that he is a Republican but I fully support his candidacy. Why?

I have been a "Law and Order" fan since the show began in 1991. I particularly am fond of the Jack McCoy Character, played by Sam Waterston. It was hinted, at the end of this last season that Wolf, the creator of the long-running series, has developed a contingency plan for how to replace Thompson's Character -New York District Attorney Arthur Branch. The plan it seems is that Jack McCoy would somehow become a reluctant DA ( a position- btw- that would be more fitting to the actor's real age).

This could potentially bring about significant development for the character that is arguably the most pivotal in the "Law and Order" franchise. There would be likely screen time in each of the spin-off shows an could invigorate the franchise for a few more years.

I know I should care more about the politics of this thing- but let's face it: Does anyone really believe an actor could become president? oh, hey-wait a minute!

Sacrifice Remembered

Memorial Day - In March of 1996, while visiting the city of Sydney Australia in order to see a certain vocalist and company perform, I witnessed the way the Aussies honor their military fallen for Anzac Day. It was about 10 AM and the whole city, it seemed, shut down at once. The sound of bagpipes- I love bagpipes- began softly and soon filled very corner of the city as these groups converged on the city square for a parade which included representatives of all the troops who fought and fell in the battle of Anzac.

It was a spectacle that made me embarrassed for the way we in the US celebrate Memorial Day with picnics and car sales.

That particular morning will live on for a long time in my memory and has made me take our commemoration of our soldiers and their sacrifice much more solemnly.

Enjoy the day, but do take time out to be thankful for those who make it possible.

Ron Paul - a Republican worth a second look.

Granted- Paul is more of a libertarian but he is running for President of the United States in the Republican Party. He created a scuffle at the last debate .

Paul seems reasoned compared to his party rivals. I hope we get to hear more of him- and as a result can see the more extreme elements tear at each other and him. It is great political showmanship.

Music Shuffle

"Friends will be Friends" by Queen
"Turning" from Les Misrables
"Sweet LA Days" by Neil Diamond
"And the Grass won't pay no Mind" by Neil Diamond
"There but for Fortune" by Peter, Paul and Mary
"The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel
"You took the Words Right out of My Mouth" by Meatloaf
"Flesh for Fantasy" by Billy Idol
"I Have a Song to Sing" by Peter, Paul and Mary
"He Was My Brother" (alternative take) by Simon and Garfunkel

Obama on "This Week"

George Stephanopolis interviews Barack Obama this week. The whole thing isn't nearly as interesting as John Edwards was last week. I do like this guy.

I hope people get a chance to view this interview. Much of it is focussed on Iraq. I like the way he carries himself. I like the way he answers questions. I am hopeful that I will get a chance to see him in person but, given the express train these candidates are on toward nomination, it is unlikely many will make stops in Minnesota.

Music Shuffle

"The Story Of My Life" (Stages) by Neil Diamond
"Something About the Way You Look Tonight" by Elton John
"An Innocent Man" by Billy Joel
"Black Day in July" by Gordon Lightfoot
"Right Field" by Peter, Paul and Mary
"You're my Best Friend" by Queen
"Old Friends" by Simon and Garfunkel
"All Mixed Up" by Peter, Paul and Mary
"Fear of the Market Place" by Neil Diamond
"The Killing of Georgie, pts 1 and 2," by Rod Stewart

John Edwards on "This Week"

What an awesome interview. I felt Edwards was given a significant amount of air time to address a wide spectrum of issues.

There will be more than a few on the Right who will say that George S. was pandering and about the same number on the left who will say he was harder on Edwards than he has been on other candidates.

I would offer the perspective that both are right- neither are right.

The questions were pointed- almost harsh. They were questions Edwards will need to face again and a again. They were questions that Edwards will need to answer again and again if he is to avoid the 'flip-flop' montage that has plagued every Democratic candidate since Michael Dukakas. The politics of the right is overwhelmingly predictable.

The right could argue- somewhat effectively- that the questions were exactly what the Edwards campaign needed. They may even express a sense that Stephanopolis is a Edwards supporter who gave Edwards a chance to face these strong questions early in order to grow in strength.

I don't think I would go that far. I would however say that George S seems to be holding Edwards to a standard that he hasn't held for other candidates he has interviewed. I believe it to be the case that George sees Edwards- moreso than others- as 'potentially the guy'. Being a political junkie, he is thereofore using his forum to try to come to a more definitive answer.

As a result, his viewing audience benefitted from the exprience.